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Falcon International Reservoir Fishing Report & Water Level
Falcon International Reservoir is at 261.13 ft above mean sea level and 20.4% full as of Oct 20, 2026 (TWDB daily average). That is 40.07 ft below the 301.2 ft conservation pool.
Falcon International Reservoir water level today & trend
The lake is 40.1 ft below its conservation pool. At levels like this some boat ramps may be unusable and stumps, humps and roadbeds that are normally submerged can be near the surface. Confirm ramp status with the controlling authority before you go.
| Level (daily avg.) | 261.13 ft msl (Oct 20, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Conservation pool | 301.2 ft msl |
| Percent full | 20.4% (-0.4 pts in 7 days, +3.9 pts in 1 year) |
| Conservation storage | 319,485 of 1,562,367 acre-feet |
| Current surface area | 28,088 acres |
Percent full from 2025-10-20 (16.5%) to 2026-10-20 (20.4%). Range shown 15.0%–27.1%.
Sources: TWDB Water Data for Texas: Falcon Reservoir (CSV). Provisional data, updated daily.
Falcon International Reservoir fishing report: recent conditions & what's biting
No recent angler reports yet: submit yours. Reports are reviewed before they're published. We never make up reports.
Seasonal pattern for October (general guide)
Fall transition. Shad migrate into creeks and coves and bass follow them, so moving baits that cover water are often effective. Fall turnover can make fishing inconsistent for a short time on deeper lakes. Schooling fish appear in open water.
This describes typical October patterns on Texas reservoirs. It is not an observed report for Falcon International Reservoir. Water temperature, lake level (currently -0.24 ft this week) and weather move fish more than the calendar does.
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Best baits & techniques for Falcon International Reservoir bass fishing
General, proven approaches for the species TPWD lists in Falcon International Reservoir. These are not lake-specific hot baits.
- Largemouth bass
- Texas-rigged soft plastics (worms, creature baits), jigs, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, crankbaits (squarebills shallow, deep divers on ledges), lipless crankbaits, and topwaters in low light. Florida-strain trophies are often caught on big worms, jigs and swimbaits.
- Catfish
- Cut bait and live bait for blue and flathead catfish, prepared/stink baits and worms for channel catfish. Drift-fishing and baited holes are both popular.
Comparing gear? See our baitcasting reel and bass rod spec comparisons.
Fish species in Falcon International Reservoir
- Largemouth bass
- Channel catfish
| Location | Mainstream reservoir on the Rio Grande River, located 40 miles east of Laredo on Highway 83 in Zapata and Starr counties |
|---|---|
| Surface area (at full pool) | 83,654 acres |
| Maximum depth | 110 feet |
| Impounded | 1954 |
| Typical fluctuation | Severe, 40 to 50 feet or more |
| Normal water clarity | Turbid (upper) to stained (lower) |
| Controlling authority | International Boundary & Water Commission |
Species and lake facts from TPWD: Fishing Falcon International Reservoir (retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Bag and size limits can be lake-specific; check the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
Falcon International Reservoir boat ramps & public access
Status: check before you go. We don't track ramp closures. Ramps can close for low or high water, construction or flood damage, and the lake is -40.1 ft vs. conservation pool today. Confirm with the operator (International Boundary & Water Commission).
A free county ramp is located at mid-lake. Falcon State Park at the downstream end provides access, boat ramp, and camping areas that range from tent spots to sites with hook-ups for electricity, water and sewage. The State Park System charges entrance and camping fees.
| Map | Boat ramp / access point & location | Amenities (TPWD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Arroyo Veleno Ramp Located off US 83 approximately one mile south of the Arroyo Veleno bridge Ramp will accommodate all boat types; No fee required; Operated by Zapata County | parking | Check before you go |
| B | Falcon State Park Located off US 83, 30 miles south of Zapata. Take FM 2098 toward the dam and turn right on Park Road 46. Ramp will accommodate all boat types; Park entrance fee required; Operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (956) 848-5327 | restrooms, cleaning stations, ADA Accessible, parking, courtesy docks, picnic areas, camping | Check before you go |
Access list from TPWD: Falcon International Reservoir public access facilities (map and locations on TPWD; retrieved Oct 20, 2026). Includes some privately owned facilities that may charge fees.
Texas law requires draining all water from your boat and onboard receptacles when leaving or approaching public fresh water (zebra mussel prevention). Clean, drain and dry.
Local guides & marinas at Falcon International Reservoir
Run a guide service, marina or bait shop on Falcon International Reservoir? Get listed free.
Falcon International Reservoir weather forecast
- This Afternoon
88°F, Sunny
Wind ENE 3 mph - Tonight
71°F, Clear
Wind ENE 0 to 6 mph - Wednesday
88°F, Mostly Sunny
Wind N 2 mph - Wednesday Night
74°F, Mostly Cloudy
Wind ENE 5 mph - Thursday
88°F, Slight Chance Rain Showers
Wind E 5 mph - Thursday Night
71°F, Mostly Clear
Wind ESE 3 to 7 mph
National Weather Service point forecast for 26.557, -99.161 (NWS BRO), issued Oct 20, 1:00 PM CDT. Full forecast at weather.gov.
Falcon International Reservoir FAQ
What is the water level at Falcon International Reservoir today?
On Oct 20, 2026, Falcon International Reservoir was at 261.13 ft above mean sea level and 20.4% full, according to the Texas Water Development Board. That is 40.07 ft below the 301.2 ft conservation pool.
What fish are in Falcon International Reservoir?
TPWD lists these predominant species for Falcon International Reservoir: Largemouth bass, Channel catfish.
Who manages Falcon International Reservoir?
International Boundary & Water Commission is the controlling authority, according to TPWD.
Nearby lakes
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